Guwahati: In the verdant landscapes of Assam, where the mighty Brahmaputra River carves through fertile plains, lies a complex story of pesticide use in vegetable farming.
A comprehensive study has explored the patterns and consequences of pesticide overuse among farmers in the state, offering critical insights into this pressing issue.
The study done by researchers Abdullah Al Mamun and Kishor Goswami of IIT Kharagpur published in the International Journal of Vegetable Science, has unveiled the rampant overuse of chemical pesticides in vegetable farming. This issue, which affects crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, and tomatoes, poses significant threats to human health, environmental sustainability, and the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
The study, conducted across four districts in Assam—Barpeta, Darrang, Nagaon, and Hailakandi—examined the practices of 390 vegetable farmers. These districts were chosen for their diverse agro-climatic conditions and significant vegetable production.
Researchers employed a multistage cluster sampling method and gathered data through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and direct field observations.
The researchers found that 68% of these farmers exceeded the recommended pesticide dosages. “Usually, farmers do not acknowledge overuse during interviews. “We calculated it by comparing their reported usage to the recommended amounts on pesticide labels and cross-verified with the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage” the researchers said.
The average overuse rate was 0.88 kilograms per season. The implications of this overuse are profound, ranging from pesticide residues in food to severe health hazards and environmental degradation.
Tomatoes were the most heavily treated crop, followed by cabbage and cauliflower. Farmers cited pest infestation and market demands for flawless produce as primary drivers for excessive pesticide application.
Approximately 76% of farmers reported experiencing health symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation after pesticide application. Moreover, the overuse of pesticides contributes to environmental degradation, contaminating soil and water resources and affecting biodiversity. Moderately hazardous pesticides accounted for 25% of the total usage, while highly hazardous ones comprised 16%.
The focus group discussions revealed critical perspectives on farmers’ motivations and challenges. One farmer from Darrang noted, “The market demands vegetables that look perfect. If a tomato has even a small blemish, it won’t sell. So, we have to use more pesticides to ensure the produce looks good.”
This insight highlights the pressure farmers face to meet consumer expectations, often at the cost of overusing agrochemicals.
Another participant shared, “We know the health risks, but what choice do we have? Without pesticides, the yield will drop, and we won’t earn enough to sustain our families.”
These discussions also shed light on the role of pesticide retailers in influencing farming practices. Many farmers rely on advice from retailers, as one noted, “The pesticide shopkeeper is like a doctor for our crops. They tell us what to spray and how much, but sometimes it feels like they just want to sell more products.”
Through detailed binary logistic regression analysis, the researchers identified a complex interplay of socioeconomic and informational factors that influence pesticide overuse. Lack of education emerged as a significant driver, with less-educated farmers being more likely to misuse pesticides. Conversely, those with higher education levels demonstrated better awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with overuse.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices also showed promise in reducing pesticide dependency. Farmers trained in IPM were found to apply chemicals judiciously, leading to a notable decrease in overuse. However, only 27% of surveyed farmers had received IPM training, pointing to a critical gap in agricultural extension services.
An intriguing finding was the role of self-consumption plots. Farmers who cultivated separate plots for personal use applied significantly less pesticide to these areas, reflecting an acute awareness of health risks when consumption was direct. Yet, this conscientious approach was largely absent in their commercial farming practices, driven by market demands for visually perfect produce.
On the flip side, reliance on pesticide retailers for information exacerbated the problem. Retailers, often acting as both advisors and suppliers, had a vested interest in promoting higher pesticide sales. Farmers with access to credit also tended to overuse pesticides, likely viewing them as an insurance policy against potential crop losses.
Health and Environmental Consequences
The overuse of pesticides has severe repercussions for both farmers and consumers. According to the study, 76% of farmers reported experiencing health symptoms post-application, including nausea, dizziness, and skin irritation. Chronic exposure could lead to more severe conditions such as cancer and neurological damage.
Environmentally, the indiscriminate application of pesticides contaminates soil, water, and air, disrupting local ecosystems. The study’s findings align with global concerns, as pesticides are known contributors to biodiversity loss and ecological imbalances.
Policy and Practice: The Way Forward
The researchers advocate for a multifaceted approach to address pesticide overuse. Key recommendations include:
Strengthening Education and Training: Expanding IPM training programs and incorporating practical, accessible agricultural education can empower farmers to make informed decisions.
Reforming Extension Services: Government extension services, currently utilized by only 13% of farmers, need revitalization. Deploying trained advisors to offer unbiased, science-based recommendations is crucial.
Regulating Retail Practices: Establishing stricter controls on pesticide sales and mandating retailer training can curtail misleading advice.
Promoting Sustainable Alternatives: Encouraging the adoption of organic farming practices, biological pest control, and precision agriculture technologies can reduce dependency on chemicals.
Market Reforms: Shifting consumer preferences away from purely cosmetic standards through awareness campaigns and certification schemes for sustainable produce can relieve pressure on farmers to overuse pesticides.
But doesnt the findings contradict the Centre’s hopes of making Northeast an organic hub. State and central governments have recognized the potential of the Northeast as an organic hub. The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) aims to promote certified organic production and improve market linkages. Subsidies, training programs, and infrastructure development are driving the transition from conventional to organic farming.
Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. This is a method of farming that works at grass root level preserving the reproductive and regenerative capacity of the soil, good plant nutrition, and sound soil management, produces nutritious food rich in vitality which has resistance to diseases.
A Call for Collaborative Action
The findings from this study are a clarion call for stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. Policymakers, educators, extension workers, retailers, and consumers must collaborate to foster a more sustainable and equitable agricultural system. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the solutions are within reach—rooted in knowledge, innovation, and shared responsibility.
As Assam grapples with this silent crisis, the choices made today will determine the future health of its people, environment, and agricultural heritage. It is a decisive moment to turn the tide on pesticide overuse and champion a model of farming that balances productivity with sustainability.
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